Iran warns US Navy against Strait of Hormuz maneuvers

Iran’s armed forces have issued a strong warning to the United States, cautioning its navy against approaching or entering the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic shipping routes.

In a statement carried by Iranian state media and reported on May 4, Iran’s unified military command said that any movement by US forces in the area could trigger a swift and forceful response. The statement noted that Iran is fully responsible for what it described as the security and control of the waterway.

Iranian forces said that maritime traffic through the strait must be coordinated with Iranian military authorities, warning that uncoordinated movement of commercial vessels or oil tankers could endanger shipping safety in the region.

The statement also cautioned that US operations in nearby waters could put commercial shipping in the broader Gulf at risk, urging all vessels to avoid entering the Strait of Hormuz without prior coordination.

“We have repeatedly said the security of the Strait of Hormuz is in our hands,” the statement said, adding that safe passage for ships depends on cooperation with Iran’s armed forces.

The warning comes shortly after the United States announced a new operation aimed at ensuring free navigation for commercial vessels in the waterway, following reports of shipping disruptions in the region.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most critical energy chokepoints in the world, with a significant share of global oil shipments passing through it daily. Any escalation in tensions in the area raises concerns about potential disruptions to international trade and energy supplies.